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In this exclusive Back to Pop interview, we sit down with Jim Valentino, co-founder of Image Comics, creator of ShadowHawk, and the visionary who reimagined Guardians of the Galaxy for a new era. From his roots,  to helping launch one of the most influential independent publishing movements in comic book history, Jim brings the receipts on four decades of boundary-pushing storytelling.

Inside the episode:

   •   How Guardians of the Galaxy became a cult classic under his pen

   •   The raw, behind-the-scenes energy of Image Comics, while everything around was chaotic during the early days, the guys were in stride!

   •   ShadowHawk and the darker themes that made it stand out in the ’90s

   •   The indie imprint Shadowline and its philosophy on creator-owned work

   •   The triumphant return of normalman in a 40th Anniversary Omnibus

   •   Reflections on creator rights, the digital comics frontier, and what’s next

Whether you’re a lifelong comics fan or just discovering the indie legends, this is a must-listen deep dive into one of the architects of modern comics.

Grab a copy of Normal Man here: https://imagecomics.com/comics/releases/normalman-40-th-anniversary-omnibus-hc

Subscribe, share, and don’t forget to rate the show if you believe in the power of creator-owned stories.

Hit play, rate the show, and subscribe for more deep dives into pop culture legends.

📱 Instagram: @backtopopmedia
🌐 Website: https://www.backtopopmedia.com

Audio by: Gabe Fletcher

Sound Design, Composition & Engineering

Editor, Back to Pop Podcast

gabefletcher.net

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In this powerhouse episode of Back to Pop, we sit down with Sean Kanan — the actor, author, and entrepreneur best known as Mike Barnes from The Karate Kid Part III and Cobra Kai, as well as his legendary roles on General Hospital and The Bold and the Beautiful.

Sean opens up about his evolution from martial arts villain to motivational author with his bestselling “Way of the COBRA” philosophy, and how he’s channeling that same energy into his bold new brand, Bad Boy Hot Sauce.

We explore:

• The behind-the-scenes story of joining The Karate Kid universe
• His return to the franchise with a more grounded approach for Mike Barnes in the series Cobra Kai! 
• How soap operas sharpened his acting chops
• The real-life meaning behind “COBRA” (Character, Optimization, Balance, Respect, Abundance)
• His powerful TED Talk on unbecoming
• His mission is to build a purpose-driven brand inspired by legends like Paul Newman

Whether you’re a diehard Karate Kid fan, a soap opera aficionado, a seeker of self-mastery, or love a good hot sauce story — this one’s for you.

Sean Kanan 📱Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sean.kanan?igsh=MWxtaWJpZGJjZ25icA==

Sean’s Ted Talk https://youtu.be/TNVUi-UWjc8

Sean’s Hot Sauce https://badboyeats.com/ 

Sean’s Books https://wayofthecobra.com/

Hit play, rate the show, and subscribe for more deep dives into pop culture legends.

📱 Instagram: @backtopopmedia
🌐 Website: https://www.backtopopmedia.com

Audio by: Gabe Fletcher

Sound Design, Composition & Engineering

Editor, Back to Pop Podcast

gabefletcher.net

#SeanKanan #KarateKid #CobraKai #WayOfTheCobra #BackToPop #PopCultureIcons #HotSauce #BadBoyEats #SoapOperaStar #ActorEntrepreneur #Unbecoming #TEDTalk #MikeBarnes #CobraKaiSeason6 #PodcastInterview

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Ever wonder who keeps child actors in line on massive movie sets? Or how iconic franchises like Star Wars and Harry Potter come to life behind the scenes?
This week on Back to Pop, we pull back the curtain with Hollywood legend Mark Marshall – the unsung hero behind some of your favorite childhood films. From his accidental start as Steven Spielberg’s assistant to wrangling the iconic cast of The Goonies and working on the first Harry Potter film, Mark’s four-decade career has touched every corner of pop culture.

Join us for untold stories about:
•His unexpected journey from movie theater projectionist to Spielberg’s right-hand man
•The chaotic magic of managing The Goonies’ young cast
•Behind-the-scenes challenges of working with a real orca on Free Willy
•Witnessing the Harry Potter phenomenon from ground zero
•How filmmaking has evolved from the analog era to today’s digital landscape
Whether you’re a film buff, aspiring filmmaker, or just love hearing Hollywood secrets, this episode reveals how movie magic really happens – from someone who helped create it.

FEATURED GUEST
Mark Marshall - Veteran Hollywood producer, cast wrangler, and behind-the-scenes mastermind whose career spans four decades of iconic films including The Goonies, Free Willy, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW 

Grab his book here! 

https://www.amazon.com/Goonies-Droids-Killer-Whales-Observations/dp/B0DPLNFVQC

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/back-to-pop/id1734332690
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uveYosfnYxCs0LnoGgnPH?si=tnWfkCZJSyCIVf4Uic4nLw
📱 Instagram: @backtopopmedia
🌐 Website: https://www.backtopopmedia.com

Gabe Fletcher

Sound Design, Composition & Engineering

Editor, Back to Pop Podcast

gabefletcher.net

Back to Pop uncovers the hidden legends behind your favorite pop culture moments, one extraordinary story at a time.
#Hollywood #FilmHistory #Goonies #HarryPotter #FreeWilly #Spielberg #MovieMagic #BackToPop #MarkMarshall

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Hey Pop Culture Time Travelers! Ready to rewind the cassette and plug into the electrifying 80s? 

This week on Back to Pop, we're joined by a truly, truly, truly outrageous icon whose voice defined a generation: the incredible Samantha Newark!

Get ready to go behind the microphone as Samantha shares her journey, from a global childhood spanning London and Africa to becoming the unforgettable speaking voice of Jerrica Benton AND her sensational alter-ego Jem in the beloved series Jem and the Holograms. 

We dive deep into the audition process, the magic of bringing both Jerrica and Jem to life, and revisit iconic episodes like "Glitter and Gold" and "The Day the Music Died."

But the 80s magic doesn't stop there! Samantha also takes us back to her earlier role voicing Ariel (Elita One) in The Transformers, sharing memories of working alongside voice acting legends.

Join us as we explore:

 * Samantha's early start in music and performing.

 * Breaking into the world of voice acting.

 * Behind-the-scenes stories from the Jem recording sessions.

 * The enduring legacy and impact of Jem and the Holograms.

 * Samantha's vibrant solo music career and her albums Somethin' Good, Hologram, and Hologram 2.0.

 * Connecting with fans at conventions and what's next!

Tune in for fascinating stories, waves of nostalgia, and an inspiring conversation about navigating the entertainment industry then and now.

Find out more about Samantha Newark, her music, and appearances:

 * Official Website:

 https://houseofjem.fans/home

SAMANTHA NEWARK

Don't miss this incredible conversation with the voice that powered Starlight Music! Listen now to Back to Pop wherever you get your podcasts.

Audio by: Gabe Fletcher 

Backtopopmedia.com

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Dive deep into comic book history with legendary artist and writer Mike Grell in this captivating episode of The Grell Method. Join us for an exclusive interview with the creative force behind iconic works like Tyroc,  The Warlord, Jon Sable Freelance, and the revolutionary Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters.
Grell shares his journey from Air Force veteran to transforming comic book storytelling across multiple decades. Hear firsthand accounts of his groundbreaking work that redefined Oliver Queen, his pioneering creator-owned series, and how his realistic artistic style changed superhero comics forever.
This episode explores:
•The creation of Skartaris and The Warlord’s unique blend of sword-and-sorcery with science fiction
•Behind-the-scenes insights into DC Comics’ Legion of Super-Heroes
•The revolutionary Green Arrow redesign that influenced decades of adaptations
•Grell’s transition to creator-owned work at First Comics and Image
•His artistic process and approach to mature storytelling themes
•Rare insights on the Jon Sable television adaptation
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Mike Grell’s distinctive art style or new to his influential work that shaped modern comic storytelling, this episode offers a masterclass in comic book creation from one of the industry’s true innovators.

Audio by : Gabe Fletcher 

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Get ready for a trip down memory lane! Legendary voice actor Neil Ross (Shipwreck, Springer, Rambo, Mean Gene Okerlund, and so many more) joins Back to Pop. Hear incredible stories about voicing heroes and villains for G.I. Joe and Transformers, the hilarious origins of some iconic voices, wild studio sessions for Rock 'n' Wrestling, and the surreal experience of voicing Rambo.

Neil also shares insights from his must-read memoir, "Vocal Recall." Tune in for nostalgia, laughs, and a masterclass in voice acting!

Grab Neil's book, "Vocal Recall: A Life in Radio and Voiceovers":

https://www.amazon.com/Vocal-Recall-Life-Radio-Voiceovers/dp/172156148X

Audio By: Gabe Fletcher 

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Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

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Step into Toontown with us as Back to Pop welcomes the legendary Gary K. Wolf, the creative mind who brought Roger Rabbit to life and forever changed the way animation meets reality. From his humble beginnings in Earlville, Illinois to his time flying missions in the Air Force, Gary’s journey is anything but ordinary.

In this deep-dive episode, we trace the evolution of Who Censored Roger Rabbit? from page to screen and explore the seismic impact of Who Framed Roger Rabbit—a film that broke barriers, won Oscars, and united the worlds of Disney and Warner Bros. We’ll revisit iconic characters like Jessica Rabbit, peel back the curtain on his legal battles with Disney, and discover how his beloved creations continue to shape pop culture.

Whether you’re a fan of animation, film history, or just love a good noir-meets-cartoon mashup, this episode is your nostalgic backstage pass.

For all things Gary : https://garywolf.com/

Grab a copy of his work, like the new novel Jessica Rabbit: Xerious Buisness! 

Tune in, press play, and remember: he’s not bad… he’s just drawn that way.

Audio by: Gabe Fletcher 

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Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

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The 90s took animation in a direction of more adult themes, then there was Exo-Squad—a bold, serialized animated series that tackled war, politics, and identity with the depth of adult sci-fi and the heart of Saturday morning cartoons. In this season premiere, we sit down with the man at the creative core of it all: Will Meugniot.

From designing iconic E-Frames to guiding the show’s layered characters and mature themes, Meugniot helped shape a series that never talked down to its audience. We dive deep into the making of Exo-Squad, the anime influences, network pushback, the truth about canceled third season, and what could’ve been. Plus: behind-the-scenes stories, collaborations with writing legend Eric Lewald , and answers to fan-submitted questions.

Whether you grew up watching Marsh and Phaeton square off—or you’re discovering the Neosapien War for the first time—this is your front-row seat to the legacy of a cult classic.

Back to Pop is back. And we’re going deep.

Audio: by Gabe Fletcher 

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What does it take to guide a performance from good to unforgettable? In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed acting coach and director Michelle Danner, whose work behind the scenes has helped shape some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Michelle pulls back the curtain on the actor’s process, what she looks for in raw talent, and how the emotional truth of a scene is built moment by moment. A must-listen for actors, directors, and storytellers alike.

For more info on Michelle Danner 

https://www.michelledanner.com/

Audio by Gabe Fletcher 

If you’re looking for comics then stop by Sean’s shop here’s the link.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1700957263/custom-listing-mc-the-last-will-and?click_key=10e3b2dbec164f3e4e3998d180f71c4828a47e9c%3A1700957263&click_sum=732fa5f1&ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1&sts=1

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Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

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In this episode of Back to Pop, filmmaker Jonathan Bowen joins us to talk about his upcoming movie and the deep influence of comic shop culture on his creative journey. We explore how these nostalgic spaces shaped his storytelling, the power of indie filmmaking, and the future of geek-driven cinema. Whether you’re a film buff, comic fan, or just love a good origin story—this conversation is for you.

Audio edited by: Gabe Fletcher 

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Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==